The project started in October 2011 and will continue throughout 2012. It will have four implementing phases. Widows will be selected according to Help the Needy’s selection criteria which can be found below.
Phase one of the project started with distributing/collecting applications, beneficiaries were selected and received kitchen appliances and sewing machines for their small businesses to develop and start training other widows selected by Help the Needy. In phase two Help The Needy will select widows who lack the basic skills providing them with the adequate training through specialised local capacity and skills development organisations. In phase three widows will be placed in practical business training to upgrade their skills to be able to start their own businesses. In phase four, widows with agricultural and farming background will be selected and provided with live stock and training in order to produce their own food and to sell the surplus to the local market and/or in neighbouring areas under the supervision and support of Help the Needy (marketing, awareness and technical assistance).
So far we have raised (17,000GBP); our aim is to reach (20,000GBP). The project will benefit (40) widows in its first year, we hope to continue developing and implementing the project for many years to come and to reach out to as many widows as possible in iraq cities, villages and remote areas keeping in mind the safety of our staff in Iraq.
On the 12th of April 2012 the Skills for life training project has initiated for ten widows who will quire a variety of new skills that aims to empower them to start their own micro-projects. These skills will also enable the widows to join existing projects where they can bring added value and start earing to support themselves and their families. The training is provided by the Nation Institute for Training - Iraq, and will end on the 18th of April 2012.